If you want better Headband adjustability
Choose Meze Audio 105 Silva Headphones. It scores 4.8 vs 3.1 for Headband adjustability, with a 4.5 overall score.
Meze Audio Strada Review
Bottom Line
Choose the Strada for premium build, long-session comfort, strong isolation and an unusually spacious closed-back presentation. Skip it if you have a small head, dislike energetic treble, or want consistently full mid-bass without EQ or careful amplification.
Best for
Listeners wanting a premium, serviceable wired closed-back with strong isolation, low weight and an expansive presentation will benefit most. It also suits immersive music, film and gaming use.
Not for
Treble-sensitive listeners, strict neutral-reference seekers and people with smaller heads should be cautious. Bass lovers wanting consistently heavy mid-bass may also prefer another tuning.
Verdict
Meze Audio Strada earns its strongest consensus around craftsmanship, comfort, repairability and an unusually open closed-back presentation. The light magnesium-and-wood chassis, magnetic pads, useful cable package, passive isolation and precise separation receive repeated praise. Sound impressions are much less uniform. Many listeners hear deep controlled sub-bass, natural vocals and smooth non-fatiguing highs; others find the lower mids thin, upper treble elevated, or the tonal balance dependent on pad seal, source matching and EQ. The headphones are easy to drive, yet several sources report tighter bass and smoother treble from better amplification. At $799, the flagship-like build and broad usability are compelling, but treble-sensitive listeners and smaller-headed buyers should audition first.
Feature Scorecards
Summary
51 reviewed features-
Very positive 4.5-5.028 (55%)
-
Positive 3.5-4.419 (37%)
-
Neutral 2.5-3.41 (2%)
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Negative 1.5-2.43 (6%)
Pros
-
Low weight, soft memory-foam pads, and well-distributed pressure make long sessions a major strength. The key exception is fit: smaller heads may struggle even at the minimum adjustment.
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The magnesium frame, ebony cups, precise assembly, and premium finish draw near-universal praise. Only isolated adjustment, creaking, or cable-connector quirks interrupt an otherwise exceptional construction story.
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Flagship-derived materials, hand finishing, wood cups, and precise hardware make the Strada look and feel more expensive than its price. Its unusually light frame can briefly seem less substantial until handled closely.
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The roughly 300–330g build feels notably light for its size and materials, reducing neck and head fatigue during extended listening.
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Screwed, modular construction, magnetic pads, and replaceable parts make repairability a standout advantage. The Strada is designed to be maintained instead of discarded.
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Magnetic pads detach and reinstall quickly without tools, simplifying cleaning, replacement, and long-term upkeep.
Cons
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The Strada has a broad, conspicuous silhouette rather than a discreet profile. Its oversized cups and generous padding are especially noticeable on smaller heads.
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The freely rotating cups aid positioning, but one listener found them too loose and awkward to align quickly with one hand.
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The light chassis travels better than its size suggests, but the nonfolding frame and large case take up considerable bag space.
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The sliding mechanism often feels smooth, quiet, and refined, but adjustment range is inconsistent across head sizes. Small heads can remain too loose, while some users want detents or more friction.
Compared With Category Average
Compared with other Over-Ear Headphones, this product is above average in Xbox compatibility, Sustainability and repairability, Earpad noise, near average in Instrument separation, Overall satisfaction, below average in Ear cup swivel/rotation range, Aesthetics / discreet profile, Portability/foldability.
Comparison summary
51 compared features-
Above average 0.4+ pts higher34 (67%)
-
Same as average within 0.3 pts13 (25%)
-
Below average 0.4+ pts lower4 (8%)
Largest category differences
| Attribute | This product | Category average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ear cup swivel/rotation range | 2.0 | 4.1 | -2.1 |
| Aesthetics / discreet profile | 2.0 | 4.1 | -2.1 |
| Xbox compatibility | 5.0 | 3.3 | +1.8 |
| Sustainability and repairability | 5.0 | 3.5 | +1.4 |
| Portability/foldability | 2.0 | 3.6 | -1.6 |
| Earpad noise | 4.0 | 2.5 | +1.5 |
| Workout heat and sweat buildup | 4.0 | 2.7 | +1.3 |
| Replaceable pads/headband | 5.0 | 3.6 | +1.4 |
Consider This Instead
If you want better Overall satisfaction
Choose Sendy Audio Apollo Pro. It scores 5.0 vs 4.3 for Overall satisfaction, with a 4.4 overall score.
If you want better Aesthetics / discreet profile
Choose Audio-Technica ATH-ADX7000. It scores 4.5 vs 2.0 for Aesthetics / discreet profile, with a 4.3 overall score.
If you want better Sound quality
Choose Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones. It scores 4.6 vs 4.1 for Sound quality, with a 4.0 overall score.
Compared in Reviews
Products reviewers directly compared with this model, grouped into quick takeaways.
109 Pro
- Better: upper-register refinement The reviewer still prefers the 109 Pro for its airier, more refined presentation.
99 Classics V2
- Worse: detail and soundstage The Strada offers more detail and space than the 99 Classics V2.
Focal Azurys
- Better: tuning balance The reviewer recommends Focal Azurys for a safer, less fatiguing tuning.
FAQ
Does the Strada sound spacious for a closed-back headphone?
Yes. Its unusually wide, airy presentation is one of the most consistent strengths, although depth and scale can still vary by recording and listener.
Is the bass strong?
It can deliver deep, controlled sub-bass and satisfying impact, but bass quantity depends on seal, amplification, and the recording. Some listeners want more upper-bass weight.
Is the treble harsh?
Opinions split sharply. Many find it smooth, detailed, and non-fatiguing, while treble-sensitive listeners report peaks, glare, or fatigue around the upper mids and lower treble.
Is it comfortable for long sessions?
Usually yes, thanks to low weight, soft pads, and even pressure distribution. Small-headed users may not achieve a secure fit at the minimum adjustment.
Does it need a powerful amplifier?
No; portable DACs and dongles can drive it to useful levels. Better-matched amplification can still tighten bass and smooth the tonal balance.
Is the Strada easy to repair?
Yes. Its modular, screwed construction and tool-free magnetic earpads make maintenance and component replacement unusually straightforward.
Sample Expert Reviews We Analyzed
These are a few of the reviews included in our analysis.
Video Reviews
YouTube - the Honest Audiophile
- Review score
- 2.8
Article Reviews
audiokeyreviews.com
First, the STRADA unlike Meze’s planar headphones will need, at least, 50 hours and nearly 100 hours to sound their best. The initial...
- Review score
- 5.0
futureaudiophile.com
Live from Romania, comes a pair of $800 audiophile grade headphones that suit the needs of music lovers and deliver true luxury
- Review score
- 4.3
architeg-prints.com
Experience the Meze Audio Strada’s lush green design and impressively wide soundstage in this detailed review.
- Review score
- 4.3
youraverageguystyle.com
In my latest tech review, I explore the advantages of the premium Meze Strada Headphones and report on their design, sound quality, and value...
- Review score
- 4.8
techradar.com
Elements from pricier models, elements from similarly priced models, but definitely no Frankenstein’s monster-style outcome…
- Review score
- 4.2
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